The Local Storytelling Exchange is dedicated to reshaping the narrative of climate action in the UK. The initiative works with local journalists or ‘storytellers’ across the UK to identify and tell a diverse range of climate stories through local media, a website and other mediums. The stories highlight positive change and the role of individuals and communities in the transition to a more sustainable world. Local Storytelling Exchange focuses on stories that resonate with the public and demonstrate that the transition to a sustainable future is already underway, recognising that real people’s stories, rather than facts alone, are often more effective in inspiring change. This approach aligns closely with the Foundation’s Climate and Ocean programme which seeks to ‘change the narrative’ of climate action by fostering hope and agency through relatable stories and storytellers. The Foundation is providing £70,000 in core support to the Local Storytelling Exchange to help increase the visibility of positive, diverse climate actions and ensure these stories reach audiences across the UK. 

The Local Storytelling Exchange’s model involves local journalists discovering and developing stories that demonstrate the small, often overlooked, ways in which people are building a future that is better for the environment and society. These stories are then amplified through local and national media, engaging with communities, groups, and media outlets to ensure maximum impact. The project has a digital collection of stories highlighting people working towards the green transition. The stories prove that positive action is already underway and illustrate real people’s experiences of issues driving the national climate debate. 

With the Foundation’s support, Local Storytelling Exchange has expanded into new regions and employed a Head of Creative whose role is to extend its geographic reach and the diversity of the stories featured. The Exchange carefully selects stories and engages communities that are more impacted by the sustainable transition, aiming to include a broader range of voices and experiences in the climate conversation. 

The initiative provides a model for how storytelling can be a powerful tool in addressing global challenges.  

The Foundation’s support for this project reflects our commitment to innovative, community-driven approaches to climate action that reach broader audiences and help promote a more sustainable and equitable world.